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Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 14, Problem C.4b

Explain the following processes involving chromosome mutations and cancer development.
How the chromosome mutation producing Burkitt lymphoma generates the disease.

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1
Understand that Burkitt lymphoma is a type of cancer caused by a specific chromosomal mutation known as a translocation, which involves the exchange of genetic material between chromosomes.
Identify the chromosomes involved in Burkitt lymphoma, typically a translocation between chromosome 8 and chromosome 14, denoted as t(8;14).
Recognize that this translocation places the MYC gene from chromosome 8 next to the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene on chromosome 14, leading to overexpression of the MYC oncogene.
Explain that the overexpression of the MYC gene causes uncontrolled cell division and proliferation, which is a hallmark of cancer development, specifically leading to the formation of Burkitt lymphoma.
Summarize that the chromosomal mutation disrupts normal gene regulation, turning a proto-oncogene into an oncogene, thereby driving the malignant transformation of B cells in the lymphatic system.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chromosome Mutations

Chromosome mutations involve structural changes in chromosomes, such as translocations, deletions, or duplications. These alterations can disrupt gene function or regulation, potentially leading to abnormal cell behavior. Understanding these mutations is essential to grasp how genetic changes contribute to diseases like cancer.
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Mutations and Phenotypes

Burkitt Lymphoma and Chromosomal Translocation

Burkitt lymphoma is caused by a specific chromosomal translocation, typically t(8;14), which moves the MYC oncogene next to the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene. This translocation leads to overexpression of MYC, a gene that promotes cell proliferation, driving uncontrolled growth of B cells and resulting in lymphoma.
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Reciprocal Translocation

Oncogenes and Cancer Development

Oncogenes are mutated or abnormally expressed genes that drive cancer progression by promoting cell division and survival. When chromosome mutations activate oncogenes like MYC, they disrupt normal cell cycle control, leading to unchecked cell growth and tumor formation, as seen in cancers such as Burkitt lymphoma.
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Cancer Mutations
Related Practice
Textbook Question

For the retinal cancer retinoblastoma, the inheritance of one mutated copy of RB1 from one of the parents is often referred to as a mutation that produces a 'dominant predisposition to cancer.' This means that the first mutation does not produce cancer but makes it very likely that cancer will develop.

Explain why cancer is almost certain to develop with the inheritance of one mutated copy of RB1.

Textbook Question

Using the data in Table B, calculate the average number of kilobase (kb) pairs per centimorgan in the six multicellular eukaryotic organisms. How would this information influence strategies to clone genes known only by a mutant phenotype in these organisms?

Textbook Question

What are community-based genetic screening programs? What is the intent of such screening programs? Why are members of specific communities or populations offered the chance to participate in such programs?

Textbook Question

Explain the following processes involving chromosome mutations and cancer development.

How the chromosome mutation producing the Philadelphia chromosome leads to CML.

Textbook Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using insertion alleles versus alleles generated by chemicals (as in TILLING) in reverse genetic studies?

Textbook Question

You have cloned the mouse ortholog of the gene associated with human Huntington disease (HD) and wish to examine its expression in mice. Outline the approaches you might take to examine the temporal and spatial expression pattern at the cellular level.